Karls Blog

Dave and I left Australia for the US today. We giong to attend Convergence next week, but got here early so we can check out Silicon Valley as well as MS Redmond campus.

Highlights of Day 1

• Qantas flight 93 leave MLB on time (12:20) heading for LAX. 4 hours in, we get diverted to Hawaii because the pilot has realised we didn't get the water filled up! Adds 3 hours to the 14 hours trip.
• Land in LAX at around 10:30 and have to wait 45 minutes for customs. Miss connecting flight to SFO.
• Wait inline for 90 mins to rebook SFO flight (missing the next available while waiting) so get put on a 17:05 flight with American Airlines - 4 hour wait! At least they upgraded us to First Class so we can use the lounge to shower and have 2 free drinks. Bring on Qantas / Singapore Airlines lounge any day!
• Eventually get to SFO, pick up car and drive to Mountain View (near Silicon Valley). Nearly drive the wrong way down a road 3 times, no crashes (nice work Dave ;)
• Unpack and head to the local pub. King of Clubs. Its a gay bar - Latino Ladies tonite so Dave and I decide to stay, chating to the girl behind the bar and 2 ladies ... ahhh men .... I'm not 100% sure! One had a child but I'm not sure which role they played!
• Stay for 4 hours trying every type of 'American' drink (they have RedBull on tap - kewl!) before getting an invite to a house party. Stop at Safeway and pick up 2 x 12 packs. Drink with kewl people until about 5:30 the next morning.
• Head fine next morning (because we DIDN'T drink US beer ;)

Observations of Day 1

• NEVER fly to LAX - you will miss your connecting flight
• Sat Nav is a must!
• Peoples sexual orientation is a big issue in the US, much less so in AUS.
• Don't drink American beer! EVER! EVER EVER!
• I will be putting on weight - its impossible not to with the food available - deep fried cheese anyone?